Staff Writer
MASVINGO — This April, the Rufaro Conference Centre in Chatsworth will transform into more than just a place of worship—it will become a vibrant stage for sound, spirit and cultural expression as the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe hosts its National Youth Elevation Conference from 9 to 12 April 2026.
Expected to draw over 100,000 young people, the gathering is shaping up as one of the country’s largest youth-driven faith and arts experiences, where preaching meets performance and spirituality merges with creative energy.
A Stage for Voice and Vision
At the heart of the conference is a carefully curated line-up of speakers led by AFM in Zimbabwe President, Rev Dr Amon D. Madawo, whose rallying call to the youth—“do it again this year”—sets the tone for a gathering built on expectation and renewal.
He is joined by a dynamic mix of voices including Pastor B. Shonhiwa, the National Youth Leader behind the Elevation movement, and Pastor Thandanani Savhasa of AFM South Africa, whose messages often bridge faith, leadership and personal growth.
Pastor RB Matewe completes the line-up, urging attendees to come ready for what he describes as a “tangible move” of transformation.
Bishop AD Madawo AFM in Zimbabwe President
Yet beyond the sermons, it is the collective storytelling—through word, rhythm and shared experience—that gives the conference its cultural weight.
Gospel Music Takes Centre Stage
Music will play a defining role in shaping the atmosphere, with some of the most influential gospel acts in the region set to perform.
Celebrating two decades of musical impact, Zimpraise Choir will headline a special “Zimpraise Legacy Night,” a showcase expected to blend nostalgia with powerful live performance.
They will be joined by worship leader Takesure Zamar, whose emotive style has made him a standout voice in contemporary gospel, as well as the ever-energetic Joyfull Praise Choir.
From South Africa, Sbu Noah brings his signature soulful sound, adding a cross-border dimension to the musical offering.
A wider ensemble of performers—including Unveiled, Worshipper L Gunda, Nyasha Mutonhori, Baba and Mai Cherai, Vabati Vajehova and Wesley Nyamukuta—ensures a diverse programme that reflects the richness of Zimbabwe’s gospel music landscape.
Where Faith Meets Community
While the stage will be alive with music and message, the conference also extends its impact beyond performance. This year’s edition carries a strong community focus, with youth mobilised to support the Rufaro Clinic building project—an উদ্যোগ aimed at improving access to healthcare in the region.
Alongside the main programme, breakout sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship and academic excellence will offer young people tools for growth beyond the spiritual space, reinforcing the conference’s dual identity as both a cultural and developmental platform.
A Living Expression of Youth Culture
In many ways, the National Youth Elevation Conference reflects a broader shift in how young Zimbabweans engage with faith—not just as doctrine, but as lived experience expressed through music, dialogue and collective identity.
For four days in April, Rufaro will not only host a conference—it will host a movement, where the rhythms of gospel, the power of voice and the energy of youth converge to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.
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